The Council of the Haida Nation and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honorable Gary Anandasangaree, issued the following statement today to mark royal assent of Bill S-16:
"Today, Bill S-16, which brings into effect An Act respecting the recognition of the Haida Nation and the Council of the Haida Nation, received Royal Assent in Parliament. The legislation affirms the government of Canada's recognition of the Haida Nation's inherent rights of governance and self-determination.
With the passing of today's bill, the Council of the Haida Nation is recognized under federal law as the government of the Haida Nation. Recognition of the Haida Nation's right to govern themselves and make decisions according to their own governance advances reconciliation and sets a foundation for a stronger Nation-to-Nation relationship.
"We appreciate Canada's effort in bringing this Act forward in the spirit of reconciliation with the Haida Nation. Passing the Act marks a significant step toward recognizing and respecting the inherent rights of the Haida Nation, building a foundation for future cooperation, and ensuring the well-being of Haida Gwaii," said Gaagwiis, President of the Haida Nation. "Our Nation has taken to heart the words of the Honourable Murray Sinclair, who said, 'Reconciliation is not an Indigenous problem; it is a Canadian one.' This legislation shows Canada's clear intent to address the many complex issues we are facing together and recognizes the work ahead of us," he noted.
"Canada will keep working with the Haida Nation and other Indigenous nations to implement their inherent right to self-determination and support their work to build a better future for their communities. Canada and the Haida Nation look forward to further strengthening the positive collaboration between our governments. There are many people to thank for seeing this through, but I would like to highlight Senator Margo Greenwood for her partnership with the Haida Nation and her work in sponsoring this bill and guiding this important legislation through the Senate." said Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honorable Gary Anandasangaree.
